Chapter 13: Home at Last]
That was a delicious dinner, Daisy; Naomi said appreciatively. Why thank you, Naomi. And you can share my room while you're here, dear; Daisy said helpfully. Thank you, Daisy. But I will try to find a place of my own as soon as I can; Naomi added. Oh nonsense, you're welcome to stay as long as you like, Naomi; Daisy said with a smile. And that goes for me too; Slim said gratefully. You saved Jess's life out there. I was glad I was there to help, Slim; Naomi said with a fond smile. Jess is my friend too; she added. And I'm glad we ran into Jess again after so many years goin' by; Mac said gratefully. How did you and Jess first meet, Mac?; Slim asked curiously. Well, Slim, several years after the war I found Jess in quite a fix with some no good owl-hoots. Lucky for him I came along at just the right time and between the two of us we fixed those owl-hoots good and lit out of there as fast as we could go; Mac said as he recalled the events. And we just stayed friends after that; Mac added . We sure did, Mac; Jess said tiredly from where he was sitting at the kitchen table.
You look tired, Jess; Naomi said with concern on her face. Aw, it's nothing, Naomi; Jess shrugged. No, you really do need to go to bed, Jess; Naomi said in her no-nonsense voice she used on stubborn mules,
horses , and men. Slim, when you hear Naomi use that tone of voice you know she means business; Jess said teasingly. She told the Doc in Ironwood that if she could'nt keep me in bed any other way,
she'd tie me there; Jess said with a laugh. Oh, I believe she would, Jess; Slim teased. If you don't mind my saying so, Naomi, I think you could out- stubborn Jess any day; Slim said jokingly. Oh no, I
don't mind at all, Slim; Naomi said good-naturedly as she dried one of Daisy's plates. But Jess, Naomi is right; Slim said wisely. You really should be in bed; Slim said with a serious look on
his face. It's been a long day for you, pard. Okay, Slim, I'll go to bed; Jess said tiredly. If somebody could help me get there; he added in Naomi's direction. I'll finish helping Daisy with
these dishes, Naomi; Slim offered helpfully. You go on and help Jess get settled. Thanks, Slim, I will; Naomi said, removing her apron. Come on Jess, let's get you settled , alright; Naomi said as she
helped Jess to his feet. Sure, Naomi. Goodnight, Slim, goodnight Daisy. Goodnight, pard. Goodnight Jess, dear. Sleep well. It's good to have you home. It's good to be home, Daisy; Jess said as they
walked toward the bedroom he and Slim shared. Careful now, Jess, let me turn the lamp up; Naomi said as they came through the bedroom doorway. I'll turn down the covers for you, Jess; Naomi said
as she lit the lamp. There, all done; Naomi said with a smile. You can climb in now. Can you help me with these boots of mine, Naomi?; Jess asked tiredly. Sure, Jess, I'd be glad to;
Naomi said helpfully. Hold still for me now, Jess. There, all done; Naomi said as she removed Jess's right boot. Hold still while I remove this shirt of yours, alright? And I'll just
check and see how your bandages are doing while I'm at it; Naomi added. They should be alright until the morning, Jess; Naomi said as she checked his bandages. Thanks, Naomi; Jess said
with a tired smile. You're welcome, Jess; Naomi said smiling back at him. Boy am I tired; Jess said as he yawned tiredly. The best cure for that is sleep, Jess; Naomi said wisely.
Down you go, Jess. Let me tuck these covers around you; she added. I don't want you catching a chill; Naomi said with a serious look on her face. Aw, it's the middle of summer,
Naomi; Jess said with a shrug. I know, Jess, but it's still chilly at night; Naomi said. So down into those covers you go. Okay, Naomi, I would'nt want to worry you. I know you would'nt, Jess; Naomi
said as she squeezed his hand. Goodnight, Naomi; Jess said sleepily. Goodnight, Jess, I love you; Naomi said smiling at him. I love you too, Naomi. Go to sleep now, Jess. If you need anything in the middle
of the night, I'll come and check on you. Okay, Naomi; Jess said as he drifted off to sleep. Rest now, Jess; Naomi said as she kissed his forehead. And then she turned and walked quietly out of the room and into the kitchen where Slim and Daisy waited for her.